The last match in 2025, the last in the World Cup qualifiers, but very important for the Montenegrin national team, even though it has long lost all chances of reaching a major competition.
The "Falcons" close their campaign with a duel against favorites Croatia (Monday, 8:45 PM), a team that secured a place in the World Championship on Friday and thus continued its series of appearances at the biggest tournaments.
A giant is coming to Podgorica, what can Montenegro do?
"What can we do? Let's go out on the field and give it our all. We're playing against a team that is at the top of European and world football, and that's even more motivation to show our best. And to go for victory," Vučinić is optimistic.
Croatia has everything that Montenegro lacks, and it also has a great player like Luka Modrić.
"Luka is a great champion, he has that brave side and a head that keeps him going. I said it before and I'll say it again - when you're at the top, it's easiest to fall. Modrić should be a role model for everyone," Vučinić emphasized.
Our team defeated Gibraltar 2:1 and ended a series of disappointing results.
"It's good that we won. But I've already written that match off. We're turning to Croatia, it won't be easy because of the quality they have. We have great respect for our rival, but we're going without fear," says Vučinić.
Montenegro is not a favorite now, unlike the previous three matches under Mirko's leadership (Faroe Islands, Liechtenstein and Gibraltar).
"The attitude is changing. We are favourites for three matches. We were also in the Faroe Islands, although we lost 4-0. The first half there was fantastic, but it is not easy to defend 50 meters from the goal. We conceded two goals from counterattacks, and in the second it was very bad. Every match is different and against Croatia it is not realistic to expect us to ask ourselves and set the pace of the match. It will be difficult, but heroes are known through hardship."
Montenegro needs discipline, like when Vučinić was a player.
"Back then we acted solidly and everyone looked at me, thinking that I was the one who brought victories. For example, Radomir Đalović played with me in attack and did everything - he moved our team 10 meters forward or backward. Now we need 10 Đalovićs, not only against Croatia but in general," Vučinić pointed out.
Our team is not complete.
"Šipčić is questionable, he is closer to not playing than playing. Vukotic has a problem with his hand, there was a fear that it was broken, fortunately it is not. We will also see what the situation is with Krstović, who has back pain. Jovetic is ready, he wouldn't be here if he wasn't," concluded Vučinić.
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